Bill Overview
Title: Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2022
Description: This bill expands and revises the system of vulnerable coastal areas that are protected under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, including by directing the Department of the Interior to carry out a coastal hazard pilot project to identify areas that can be added to the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System. The bill also modifies certain boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Units located in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Sponsors: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Target Audience
Population: People living in or dependent on vulnerable coastal areas worldwide.
Estimated Size: 130000000
- The bill is related to coastal areas, which are typically densely populated and involve diverse communities.
- Coastal areas often have a high concentration of economic activities such as tourism, fishing, and shipping, affecting the livelihoods of residents.
- The bill impacts those living in regions protected by the Coastal Barrier Resources System, which currently includes several states with major coastal urban centers and ecosystems.
- Modifications to the boundaries of the Coastal Barrier Resources System might affect local infrastructure projects and property values, impacting local communities.
- The states mentioned (Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, etc.) are known for their dense coastal populations, including metropolitan areas.
- Historical data indicates the U.S. coastal population is substantial due to both permanent residents and tourists.
Reasoning
- A broad population lives in or near vulnerable coastal areas. The impact varies widely from those whose livelihoods directly depend on the coast, to those whose experiences are more distal.
- Property owners and local businesses might experience changes in property value and risk levels due to inclusion in or exclusion from protected areas.
- Environmental advocates and residents concerned with climate change impacts will likely see more significant improvements in well-being as their environments are better protected.
- People living somewhat inland or who have alternate means of income might see little to no impact.
- The requested sample includes people from various involved states to reflect different geographical challenges and needs within the policy.
- Financial constraints mean the policy cannot support changes exhaustively everywhere, so impacts will be limited to the most vulnerable or prioritized areas.
Simulated Interviews
Hotel Manager (Miami, Florida)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy could help protect our coastlines, which is vital for tourism.
- We often worry about hurricanes and sea-level rise, so anything that bolsters our defenses is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Marine Biologist (Wilmington, Delaware)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a critical step in the right direction for environmental protection.
- Our work often shows the precarious state of coastal biodiversity, so I'm hopeful for positive changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 2 |
Property Developer (Charleston, South Carolina)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might restrict some developments, which isn't ideal for business.
- However, protecting certain areas could raise property values elsewhere.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Activist (New York, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Strengthening protections for vulnerable areas is crucial.
- I hope this acts as a catalyst for further environmental policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Newport, Rhode Island)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad they're doing something to protect our beautiful coastlines.
- Maintaining natural barriers is crucial for the future.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Transportation Worker (Baltimore, Maryland)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hoping this will support our infrastructures and job security.
- Coastal development impacts my job directly because of port activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Fisherman (Gloucester, Massachusetts)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any protection of marine resources benefits my livelihood.
- Saltmarsh and barrier protections are essential for the ecosystem.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy seems good but doesn't affect my business much.
- I enjoy living close to nature, so sure, it's good if they protect it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tourist Guide (Cape May, New Jersey)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could boost tourism, which would be great!
- Responsible stewardship of coastal areas is crucial for continued business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Local Artist (Hilton Head, South Carolina)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything preserving our natural surroundings keeps me inspired and happy.
- The policy’s potential impact on the environment gives me hope.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Cost estimates may vary significantly depending on the precise areas and boundaries affected by the bill.
- Political, environmental, and community stakeholder input will play crucial roles in the successful implementation of protected areas and may introduce additional considerations.
- The bill’s effectiveness in reducing future coastal hazards and associated costs is critical for its long-term success.
- Uncertainties in climate change projections and their impacts on coastal areas might affect the policy's outcomes.